Jewell: relegation a relief

Wigan boss Paul Jewell has sensationally admitted that relegation will be 'a relief', believing that the season has been difficult for all the staff, players and fans and they need a fresh start in the Championship.

“I am not going to insult people’s intelligence by saying we are going to stay up,” said Jewell. “What we are going to do is our best, and if our best is not good enough, no supporter or manager can ask any more.

“I think this season has been so difficult for everyone - fans, players, managers, staff - we are up against it every week. Sometimes you feel like saying let’s call the season off now and let’s start again.

“So whatever happens, if we go down it will almost be a relief as we can start afresh and I am looking to the future.

“I am not going to sit here and say ‘yes we are going to get 30 points out of the next 16 games’. It can be done - but the odds are heavily stacked against us.”